http://www.injurytalk.com/forums Injury Talk en http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=53972#53972 53972@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:daman Topic: Lawyer, Do I need one Message: I would do the same dealing with the liable insurance company first.  Speaking with a Lawyer is fine but keep in mind not all Lawyers but the majority of personal injury lawyers are not out for you they're out for themselves.  I can understand there reasoning cause lets face it they gotta put food on the table too.  However, I've known a ton of PI Lawyers who have told clients there claim is worth a ton of dough when in reality it is not.  I once went with a friend of my who was going in for a free consultation just after he was hit.  He had soft tissue injuries initial ER and his Dr. refered him for Physical Therapy.  The liable Insurance company offered him 1k in pain and suffering and to pay his medical bills.  When he told the Attorney this he immediately said don't settle this claim its worth at least 30k.  Lucky for my friend I was with him and have extensive knowledge of the claims process and the personal injury Lawyer process.  When the Attorney looked away for a moment I looked at my friend and used a facial expression of pure BS.  Then  the Attorney started taking down some of the facts of the accident when he got a buzz from his secretary and said can you please excuse me for a moment.  My friend said sure and when he left his office I let my friend know this guy is total BS you don't have a 30k claim here.  My friend agreed and I said when he comes back I'll have a little fun with him.  He comes back in with his pretty little paralegal and starts on and on how this is gonna work .He says- I'm gonna file suit right away so we can get you your money.  99% of the time pure BS the statue of limitations on a claim in most states is 3 years and 99% of the time a Lawyer waits right up until the statue limit time to file a suit.  WHY?  1. Because the 1st thing that needs to happen is the injured person needs to complete all treatment for injuries unless this was a injured person who has been labled with permanent injuries but that a whole different ball game than soft tissue injuries.  2. A lawyer or a firm is just like any other business they have to stick to a budget and filing a suit and trying a law suit is expensive.  3.  This why an Attorney will instruct his pretty little paralegal to take over the claim essentially and get all medical records, bills, police reports, or Lost wage documentations and put together a DEMAND PACKAGE that normally takes around 2 years or more before submitted.  See fact of the matter is the Attorney you have just hired after the 1st meeting will be probably 1st of maybe 3 times you will ever talk to him about the claim.  He will tell you to contact Ms. Paralegal about the claim and she will answer all the questions.  I've been in a  Personal Injury Lawyers firm before where over half of the firms Lawyers couldn't remember who any of their clients were.  In the DEMAND PACKAGE that figure of 30k will appear as medical bills and pain/suffering.  First of all an Insurance company never pays the 1st demand.  They will keep the demand for serveral weeks maybe even months call the Lawyer up from time to time and say Hey our medical review specialist is reviewing this.  The Attorney says OK no problem just get back to me.  Meanwhile the Attorney on the other end of the phone has no clue who this Adjuster is talking about. Finally after 2-3 months the adjuster calls up and says we'll pay the medical bills and 1500.00 pain and suffering.  The Attorney then says let me speak to my client of course he doesn't he has Ms. Paralegal call them or maybe he doesn't even bother to call them.  He waits 1-3 days calls the adjuster back and says I gotta have at least  15k on this.  This goes on for 2-3 weeks until the adjuster says 4k p/s and bills.  Lets say your bills are around 6k.  So the adjuster has offered a 10k settlement.  The Attorney then calls you in and says listen I tried to get 30k but they're not budging they've offered 10k I really do think its a good offer and if we go to trial we could get less.  Which is another BS because before it went to trial it would go to mediation.  Anyways you decide to take the offer you say hey they offered me 1k plus bills and now I'm getting 4k plus the 6k to pay for my bills.  Then the Attorney says well out of the 10k will be my fee, you're like yeah sure no problem I mean how much could it be this like the 3rd time I've ever talk to you.  Lets settle oh by the way whats the bill from you.  The Attorney answers well its 30%  (normal fee for most personal injury lawyers)  So breaking it down thats 6k for the bills, 3k for the Attorney, and you get 1k.  BITCH SLAPPED!!!!!  So basically you have paid this Attorney 3k for meeting with you 1-3 times for 30mins, making 5-6 5 min phone calls, and his Paralegal ordering copies of medical records which cost about 30-40 bucks, and picking up a police report that is normally free.  He and his paralegal probably got a total of  10 hrs in the matter  thats $300 an hr.  Now you might say well 3k is not a lot of money which its not but the Attorney doesn't have just 1 client.  You have to remember these ambulance chasers take on at least 10 clients a day and thats on a bad day thats why they asked their paralegal 10min before you come in who you are .  Because a zillion car wrecks happen every day they see so many people and have so many deals going its really understanding why they have no clue who you are..  Just imagine if they took 10 a day 50 per week and got the same settlement I gave an example of thats 150k a year.  Remember they get 30% of the settlement so a 15k          settlement is  4500.00Anyways the fun I had with this ambulance chaser was when he came back in and started the save the world speech.  I said hold it you say this claim is worth 30k he said yes sir no problem.  I said OK have Ms. pretty paralegal sitting over there draw up a contract that states in writing this claim is worth 30k and I will get 30k for this claim and if not from the insurance company then I will pay the difference.  He said he could not do that I asked why not and he came back with some BS answer and I said when you can put that in writing call my firend and he will retain your services.I'm not bashing personal injury lawyers here.  Just remember whatever they tell you the claim is worth go ahead and cut it half from the start.  Remember while the Attorney is suppost to be negotiating the claim your medical bills are still not being paid unless by you.  Most providers will turn the bill into collections which goes on your credit.  Also anything an Attorney  gaurantees asked him to put that in writing. Thu, 16 Aug 2007 22:57:05 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=53811#53811 53811@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:mischellethebelle Topic: Top 10 Ways To Wreck Your Accident Case Message: I recently found this really cool FREE book that helps you figure out if you need an attorney, how to negotiate with the insurance companies (if that is what you decide to do), etc.  It is called the Top 10 Ways to Wreck Your Accident Case.  You can learn more about it at www.washingtonaccidentbook.com.  It really helped me try to figure out what I needed to do with my own case.  Mischelle Sun, 24 Jun 2007 14:56:01 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=53227#53227 53227@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:albigensis Topic: struck by a runaway truck, no driver & expired inspection sticker nyc Message: Hello all !!I would like some input on my accident.I was stopped at a red light and a private cable installer truck rolled down the hill unoccupied and struck my car in the rear. Smashed out my rear glass and rear end damage. I have a torn rotator cuff but the doctor did not want to do surgery,  opted for physical therapy only. Geico is my insurance and these bums rushed to send me to an IME exam and these guys said I no longer needed medical treatment and closed their files. I am currently going to the doctor under my job insurance.I have a lawyer and have filed a lawsuit against the cable company. Their truck was registered in NY but their vehicle inspection sticker was expired for several months at the time of the accident.The cable people fixed my vehicle and arranged for me to get a rental from Enterprise during the repair time.My Lawyer has filed a summons and complaint??.What can I expect now and how long a wait. I never had a car accident before. Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:49:42 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=52387#52387 52387@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:jr5830 Topic: Knocked down stop sign that caused an accident Message: Should I seek a legal counselor for further advice that the city failed to upkeep and maintain the stop sign in which it was knocked down by unknown origin that caused serious injury accident? Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:57:48 -0600 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=51686#51686 51686@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:sandty Topic: Low speed impact-airbag deployment- serious injuries Message: My mom has been in three accidents where people have run into her.Also I'm doing a science project on oil spills and I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about it or the Exxon Valdez oil spill? PPPPPLLLLLEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEEHHHHHHHEEEEEEELLLLLLLPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:42:13 -0600 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=51640#51640 51640@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:whisky1971 Topic: What are injuries and scars worth? Message: [url]http://www.injurytalk.com/[/url] Fri, 03 Nov 2006 14:12:41 -0600 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=51639#51639 51639@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:whisky1971 Topic: What are injuries and scars worth? Message: http://www.whiplash-injury-claim.com/]Whiplash Injury Claim Whiplash Injury claim advice Fri, 03 Nov 2006 14:09:58 -0600 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=51062#51062 51062@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:sksherfey Topic: air bag failure Message: My wife had a false deployment this morning (9/27/06) while pulling into a parking lot. There was no wreck or sudden impact to cause deployment of the air bags; both deployed simultaneously hitting my wife and totally busting the wind shield. Repair is not covered by the car manufacturer after 5 year/ 50,000 miles or the insurance company. This does not seem right. My wife is very bruised up and upset; the car is sitting in my driveway in need of repair. sksherfey@tva.gov phone 423-316-2886 Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:39:07 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=50729#50729 50729@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:sykosis Topic: Low speed impact-airbag deployment- serious injuries Message: I was also in a low-speed parking lot fender bender. The accident seems to have hit directly on a sensor. Minimal damage to the car, but you can see my arm at this website: www.megaband.net/sykotic/burns where I have at minimum, 2nd degree burns. We had an incident report opened with the car manufacturer for this 2006 Honda Accord (I notice the 2005's have a recall for front airbags). Honda REFUSED to speak to us. No one wants to go after the airbag manufacturers or the car dealers. There is a lot of information on the net that I am now looking at. Please email me if you have something that you wish to have posted on my site. I can be reached at airbagburns@gmail.com Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:40:46 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=50718#50718 50718@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:maydaymayday Topic: air bag failure Message: then why have air bags.  I paid extra for the side bags.  I was in a car accident.  I was driving around 65.  freeway in LA.  It was late at night, no traffic.  some one hit me from behind,  i ended up skidding, ran head on into road blocks, not one but 3, then went back and forth on the side of the mountain, then down the mountain to a guard rail, skidded, to finally stop.  i had 2 people with me.  few injuries, but i got the worse of it.  the air bags didnt deploy.  can you believe that.  then dont have them i feel. to much trouble, and they hype it up to make you feel air bags are the best. so buy them. pay extra.  BS i feel.... Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:55:47 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=49385#49385 49385@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:crusty Topic: I need advise , please! Message: From the behavior of this person I would guess is that he is an independent claims adjustor or investigator hired by the insurance company. Glad your husband had the presence of mind to boot him out.  Consult a lawyer - the initial interview/consultation is free. Fri, 02 Jun 2006 05:13:44 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=49311#49311 49311@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:arleen Topic: Lawyer, Do I need one Message: i would suggest you talking with your insurance first..... if this person was atfault and got the ticket for the accident his insurance is liable for all medicaland testings and meds that are required.... so contact your insurance first andalso ask them for advise..  My husband was in an accident also with no faultwhile working and the other insurance has been paying for all his expensesinsurances usually get information from you about the accident and you needto question them and get as much information about what to do about gettingmedical assistance that is needed and inform them that how will your bills getpaid...... also i would defenately speak to a lawyer about this some lawyers givefree consultations on things like this they will let you no if your in need to hire them for help......... GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sun, 28 May 2006 06:42:41 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=49310#49310 49310@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:arleen Topic: I need advise , please! Message: sorry to hear about your experience..... in the first place you should of notsigned nothing before reading carefully  sometimes companies try and haveyou sign things to remove them from any liability insurance companies are veryvery tricky... what you should do is call your insurance company and ask if theyindeed sent someone out to your home... that is very unlikely that insurancecompanies do that what insurances do is usually make a recorded statementof the accident over the phone and be very careful on what is signed or saidto the insurance company...  I would suggest for you to seek a lawyer on thismatter to be in the safe side....... GOOD LUCK......!!!!!!!!!!! Sun, 28 May 2006 06:35:23 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=49309#49309 49309@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:arleen Topic: In a minor collision,  want to settle apart from insurance. Message: chrss....   that would be the worst mistake for you to do, if you both have insurance go threw the insurance that is why we pay automobile insurance fordo not take any chances on settleing on your own. And yes these other personscan come back at you and sue you and then your looking at a big lawsuit againstyou. But what ever you decide good luck!!!!. Sun, 28 May 2006 06:25:46 -0500 http://www.injurytalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?pid=48725#48725 48725@http://www.injurytalk.com/forums By User:shirleypenn Topic: Rear ended, party responsible has State Farm Insurance Message: I also was rear ended in june of 2003, stopped behind a truck and a school bus in front of the truck, we were all stopped at a railroad crossing, i've had serious pain and great sufffering from this "accident" I have been told by attorney, because of injury in 1998 , State Farm, this is the other drivers ins. co. that a settlement offer of 7,500. is about all i'll get, my car was totaled, i've been deemed permanently,totally disabled. by the time others get their share of that amount, i'll receive only 1 or 2 thousand. Florida is a no fault state. also I had seen no doctors for previous injury in 4-5 years, I have been put on SSI which is $603.00 a month, I can't prove income ability because of working in Barber/Beauty shops and they don't keep records and sad to say neither did I. What can be done at this time,? I have not signed any settlement papers. Thank You Shirley Penn Wed, 19 Apr 2006 17:33:01 -0500